UEFA Champions League: Real Madrid had to wait until the 23rd minute to take the lead through Luka Modric, but a run of five goals in 15 minutes either side of half-time sent them through in style

Cristiano Ronaldo scored twice as holders Real Madrid thrashed APOEL 6-0 in Cyprus to reach the UEFA Champions League last 16 on Tuesday, while Liverpool blew a three-goal lead in a thriller at Sevilla. Zinedine Zidane's Real bounced back from their 1-3 loss at Tottenham Hotspur last time out by crushing APOEL, with four of the goals coming before half-time. "It was a very good evening for us," said Zidane. "We're on the right track. We're doing things well and we're building in strength. It's never easy but it was a complete display and we scored quickly."

The record 12-time winners had to wait until the 23rd minute to take the lead through Luka Modric, but a run of five goals in 15 minutes either side of half-time sent them through in style.

Karim Benzema put worries about his recent form to bed with a double either side of a Nacho effort, before Ronaldo got in on the act after the break.

The Portuguese climbed highest to power a header into the corner from an inviting Marcelo cross.

And the 32-year-old, who has only scored once in eight La Liga appearances this season, scored his eighth Champions League goal this term with an excellent left-footed finish from a tight angle.

Tottenham sealed top spot in Group H with a come-from-behind 2-1 victory at Borussia Dortmund.